Breastmilk not eye drops! Experts warn against dangerous remedies causing blindness in children

Eye experts have raised the alarm over the use of breastmilk to treat conjunctivitis, also called Apollo, in children.

They described the practice as harmful, warning that it could worsen eye infections and lead to more complications.

Consultant ophthalmologists disclosed that breastmilk contains lactose, a sugar that feeds microorganisms in the infected eye.

This sugar allows the infection to thrive, multiplying the organisms and aggravating the eye condition.

The warning was issued during separate interviews with experts by seasoned eye specialists across the country.

They lamented the continued application of traditional substances like breastmilk, cow urine, and onion juice into infected eyes.

Experts revealed that these substances had caused numerous cases of excessive discharge, redness, and even vision loss.

Dr Kareem Musa, a Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist at LUTH, strongly condemned these traditional practices.

He noted that some mothers still follow advice from grandmothers to use breastmilk for Apollo treatment.

“This is dangerous because breastmilk feeds the microorganisms, making them multiply and worsen the eye condition,” he said.

Musa also frowned at the use of cow urine and onion juice for eye infections, calling them harmful practices.

“These practices damage the eye and can lead to severe vision problems or blindness,” he added.

Another expert, Dr Ismail Lawal, of FMC Birnin Kebbi, also cautioned mothers against using breastmilk for treating conjunctivitis.

He described breastmilk as food, stating that it nourishes the harmful organisms in the eye.

“Once you apply breastmilk, you’re feeding the infection and helping it spread faster,” he warned.

Dr Lawal listed other harmful substances used traditionally, including urine, cow urine, olive oil and eye shadows.

“These things are not meant for the eyes. Only prescribed medications should be used,” he advised.

He also warned against receiving treatment from unqualified eye practitioners and quacks.

According to him, wrong prescriptions, especially steroids, can worsen eye conditions in children.

In a study by Godswill Nathaniel and Ugochukwu Eze, harmful eye practices were blamed for preventable blindness.

Another research on children revealed that traditional remedies can lead to amblyopia, also called lazy eye.

The experts called on parents to always seek help from certified ophthalmologists when children develop eye issues.

They further urged teachers and caregivers to stop corporal punishment to prevent eye injuries among schoolchildren.

They advised the public to spread the message about avoiding dangerous traditional eye remedies in communities.

According to them, early and proper treatment of eye infections prevents long-term damage and ensures healthy vision.

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